Mahacari, Mahācārī, Maha-cari: 3 definitions
Introduction:
Mahacari means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
Alternative spellings of this word include Mahachari.
In Hinduism
Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)
Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstraMahācārī (महाचारी) refers to one of the ten practices performed after the removal of the stage curtain, according to the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 5. Accordingly, “The mahācārī is so called because it consists of movements delineating the Furious Sentiment (raudra).”.
Performing the mahācārī preliminary pleases the Bhūtas. According to Nāṭyaśāstra 5.57-58, “The performance of the Preliminaries which means worshipping (pūjā) the gods (devas), is praised by them (i.e. gods) and is conducive to duty, fame and long life. And this performance whether with or without songs, is meant for pleasing the Daityas and the Dānavas as well as the gods.”
Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (natya)Mahācārī (महाचारी) refers to the “forceful movements of limbs”, according to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, an ancient Sanskrit text which (being encyclopedic in nature) deals with a variety of cultural topics such as arts, architecture, music, grammar and astronomy.—Cārī refers to delicate movements of limbs. It makes a dance performance more elegant and attractive. On the other hand when the movements are forceful, then these are called as mahācārī. The Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa does not talk about the types of cārī. But according to the Nāṭyaśāstra, there are thirty two kinds of earthly cārīs and sixteen kinds of aerial cārīs. Again the Abhinayadarpaṇa accepts eight klinds of cārī. The names and definitions of cārīs in both of these works are totally different and do not have any similarity.
Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English DictionaryMahācārī (महाचारी):—[=mahā-cārī] [from mahā > mah] f. the speaking of the Nāndī (q.v.), [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text: Forceful movement, Delicate movement, Carin, Bahiryavanika.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Mahacari, Mahācārī, Maha-cari, Mahā-cārī; (plurals include: Mahacaris, Mahācārīs, caris, cārīs). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Vishnudharmottara Purana (Art and Architecture) (by Bhagyashree Sarma)
2.4. Cārī (delicate movements of limbs) < [Chapter 3 - Drama and Dance]
Natyashastra (English) (by Bharata-muni)